National Partners

Jobs for the Future is the Implementation Partner of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions. Its responsibilities include the following:

Manages the grants management and administration, including the oversight of grant distributions, grant compliance and internal control issues.
Works with the funders to solicit applications, screens initial submissions, develop recommendations for Investor Committee review, and negotiates details of site participation in the Fund program.
Coordinate site support, peer learning, and technical assistance consultants. This includes diagnosing key issues and providing dedicated, tailored support, with a primary focus on capacity improvement. Technical assistance to the sites is provided through consultation, peer learning meetings, and e-learning.
Works with the funders and external consultants to oversee the national evaluation of the initiative and to manage the implementation of its research, documentation, and policy advocacy strategies.

The Council on Foundations (COF) is the Leadership Partner for NFWS, including:

Providing national attention to the urgent need for foundations to support effective preparation of America’s workforce: Through NFWS, COF will create new opportunities for foundation leaders to discuss the role of philanthropy in workforce investment at Council-sponsored meetings and events. It schedules workforce planning sessions, roundtables, “investor discussions,” and plenary sessions. It also helps foundations access lessons and best practices; develops suggestions for program requirements and evaluations; and considers public policy impacts and system-reform issues.
Providing peer learning opportunities for local foundations participating in regional collaboratives: COF will help build a community of practice among foundations participating in regional collaboratives, to build expertise in philanthropic collaboration and workforce development, and build bridges between philanthropy and public funders.
Providing input and advice to the national funders: COF offers expert advice and counsel to national funders and provides forums to improve communications among national, regional, community, family, and corporate foundations interested in workforce development.